One death too many was my spur-of-the–moment reaction to the jolting news of the transition of African and Nigerian foremost Professor of Geography, Akinlawon Ladipo Mabogunje which heartbroken event occurred on the 4th August 2022.

Mabogunje appeared to many differently. In the academic world, he was a first class brain, a renowned and erudite scholar cum towering figure.

Our paths crossed than ever when he was the Pioneer Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council of Olabisi Onabanjo University, where I was the President of the Development Foundation of the University. We were also together at Ogun State Elders’ Consultative Forum, where he benevolently extended to the Forum his prodigious knowledge in the field of urban renewal, development and planning.

Ogun Sate, Nigeria – nay Africa will miss this Intellectual Icon - Mabogunje badly, but who are we to query God who had decreed death to welcome us back to our true Home, when our allotted time is over in the earthly field.

My commiseration goes to the family and may his soul rest in the bosom of the Good Lord in Jesus Name.

• Adebutu, a knight of the Methodist Church, a notable philanthropist, is a pools bet magnate